Orlando Pirates Reserves host Richards Bay in their DStv Diski Challenge fixture played at Rand Stadium on Saturday morning.
The fixture is one of two back-to-back home games for the Bucs Reserves before concluding their campaign with a visit to Polokwane City.
Form Guide
It comes after a successful outing at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Ciniso Mazibuko netted the game’s only goal to see off a stubborn Chippa United.
The victory was only the young Buccaneers’ second win in their last five games, where they have lost twice and drawn once in what has been a long spell of indifferent form in the final third of their season.
Currently in third place with just nine points on offer in the remainder of the campaign, Saturday’s clash is a must-win for the Buccaneers in their bid for a strong finish.
They will have to contend with a ninth-place Richards Bay outfit eyeing a top-eight finish after landing in the bottom three in their debut season in the Reserve League.
The Natal Rich Boyz were held to a goalless stalemate by KZN rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows in their most recent fixture and are searching for their first win since March. They won the first two of their last five games, and have since gone on to play to two draws and a defeat.
Three points on Saturday will strengthen their chances of finishing inside the top half of the table in only their second season.
Head-to-Head
Pirates were victorious the last time the two sides met, overcoming a one-man disadvantage to claim a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Ciniso Mazibuko and Mehluleli Maphumulo.
Their rivalry with Richards Bay began last season when Njabulo Mndebele and Mpumelelo Ndaba each found the net to ensure a 2-0 home victory before playing to a goalless stalemate in the latter part of the campaign.
The Natal Rich Boyz will not only be looking for their first win over the Buccaneers on Saturday, but also their first goal, while the hosts look to become the first team to complete a league double in the fixture.
How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Richards Bay Reserves
Kick-off is at 10:00 and the game will not be televised. You can follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.
